Euphorbia peplus, commonly known as petty spurge, is a small, erect annual plant belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae.
This plant is native to Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia but has become a widespread weed in many parts of the world. It is known for the milky, latex-like sap that it exudes when cut or broken.
Names in Different Countries
The plant is known by various names around the world, often reflecting its common use or appearance. Here are some examples:
Arabic: فربيون ببلوس
German: Garten-Wolfsmilch
French: Ésule ronde
Polish: Wilczomlecz ogrodowy
Dutch: Tuinwolfsmelk
Japanese: チャボタイゲキ
Russian: Молочай огородный
Finnish: Kolmisädetyräkki
Swedish: Rävtörel
Chinese: 南欧大戟
Terminology
The term Euphorbia comes from Euphorbus, the Greek physician of King Juba II of Numidia. The specific epithet peplus is a Latin word for a Greek robe or veil, possibly referring to the plant's small, rounded leaves. The common name petty spurge refers to its small size ("petty") and the acrid, purging nature of its sap ("spurge"). The synonyms listed, such as Anisophyllum peplis and Tithymalus peplus, are historical botanical names that have been reclassified under the current accepted name.
Availability
Petty spurge is a ubiquitous weed and is not typically cultivated for commercial purposes. It is widely available in temperate regions and can be found growing in gardens, cultivated fields, and disturbed areas. For medicinal or topical use, preparations are often homemade or sourced from herbalists rather than from commercial stores.
External Look
The plant typically grows to a height of 10–30 cm. It has a slender, light green stem that is often branched from the base. The leaves are ovate to rounded, about 1–3 cm long, and have a smooth, waxy surface. They are arranged alternately on the stem. The plant produces small, inconspicuous, greenish-yellow flowers grouped in a characteristic structure called a cyathium, which is surrounded by two kidney-shaped bracts. The fruit is a three-chambered capsule containing small, gray seeds. The most distinctive feature is the milky-white latex that seeps from any part of the plant when broken.
Healing Properties
The primary healing property of petty spurge is due to its active compound, ingenol mebutate, which is found in the sap. This compound has cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic effects, meaning it can kill cells and induce programmed cell death. These properties have led to its traditional use and modern research into its application for specific skin conditions.
Skin Lesions: Traditionally, the latex has been used topically to treat warts, corns, and certain skin cancers, particularly non-melanoma types like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
Keratoses: It is also used to treat actinic keratosis, a precancerous condition caused by sun damage.
It is crucial to note that the use of the raw sap can be highly irritating and should be approached with extreme caution.
Advantages
Natural Source: Petty spurge offers a natural source of a compound (ingenol mebutate) that has been proven effective against certain skin conditions.
Accessibility: As a common weed, it is easily accessible in many parts of the world for those with knowledge of its use.
Targeted Action: The active compound specifically targets and destroys abnormal cells, making it a valuable tool for treating skin cancers and precancerous lesions.
Uses
The primary uses of petty spurge are focused on its topical application for dermatological conditions.
Actinic Keratosis: A purified gel formulation of ingenol mebutate, derived from Euphorbia peplus, was formerly available under the brand name Picato for the treatment of actinic keratosis. This product was later withdrawn from the market due to concerns about a potential increased risk of skin cancer, a topic still under investigation.
Warts and Corns: Folk medicine and traditional herbalism have long used the sap to burn off warts and corns. The corrosive nature of the sap helps to break down the hardened skin cells.
Skin Cancers: While not a mainstream medical treatment, the plant's sap has been the subject of research for its potential to treat basal cell carcinoma (BCC), with some clinical studies showing positive results.
Using Way
Using Euphorbia peplus sap for medicinal purposes, especially raw, is highly risky and not recommended without professional guidance.
Topical Application: For warts or corns, a small amount of the milky sap can be carefully applied directly to the affected area using a cotton swab. The area should be thoroughly cleaned beforehand.
Safety Precautions:
The sap is a strong irritant and can cause severe skin inflammation, blistering, and eye damage. Never apply it near the eyes or on open wounds. Always perform a patch test on a small, unaffected area of skin first. Wash hands thoroughly after handling the plant. The sap is also poisonous if ingested and can cause severe gastrointestinal distress.
Conclusion
Euphorbia peplus, or petty spurge, is a fascinating plant with a long history of use in folk medicine, particularly for treating skin conditions. Its main medicinal component, ingenol mebutate, has demonstrated significant efficacy against warts, corns, and certain skin cancers, leading to the development of a prescription medication. Despite its potential, the plant's sap is a potent irritant and toxin, and its use in an unrefined state is fraught with risk. Therefore, it should be approached with extreme caution, and medical advice should always be sought before attempting any self-treatment.
